Wanda M. Kephart

She was born in Harper County, Oklahoma, on January 26,1924 to the late Samuel B. Tabor and Nellie Poston Tabor, who had removed from Tennessee to the panhandle of Oklahoma in the early 1900s to farm. Wanda's childhood and early adulthood were spent on a dustbowl farm during the Great Depression and those experiences shaped her character.

Committed to learning and education, Wanda graduated Buffalo High School then earned her Bachelor's Degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva in 1946. She did graduate studies at University of Oklahoma and at Trinity University in San Antonio. Wanda taught Elementary School for SAISD until retiring in 1995.

Wanda and Lary Kephart were married on September 15, 1946, when they were both studying in college. Their four eldest children were born in Oklahoma. They moved to San Antonio in 1957, where their two youngest children were born. Wanda was a Mother, Homemaker, and Friend. She exemplified unconditional love. Always supportive, she was tenacious, persistent, (some would say stubborn), and devout. Her home and kitchen were open and welcoming to all, especially the neighborhood children, even as they matured through teenage to young adulthood and beyond. Once one became a friend of Wanda, they were a friend for life.

Wanda possessed a strong Christian faith and was a devoted member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. She was faithfully involved with the Thursday Lunch Bunch and the Prayer Room.

Wanda was predeceased May 9, 2006, by her loving husband of 59 years, John Lary Kephart. Wanda is survived by their six children: Gunnar (Barbara) Kephart, Austin; Phil (Debi) Kephart, Lockhart; Lary Jo Kephart, San Antonio; Mark Kephart, Cotulla; Tom Kephart, San Antonio; and James (Jennifer) Kephart, San Antonio.

Wanda is also survived by six grandchildren: Heather (Frank) Laudo, Flower Mound; Alex (Sabrina) Kephart, Dallas; Dawn Kephart Dean, San Marcos; Johanna Kephart, Washington D.C.; Taylor (Meredith) Kephart, Los Angeles CA, and Ryan Kephart of San Antonio. Wanda was blessed with five Great Grandchildren: Sydney Kephart and Emery Kephart, Dallas; Kelsey (Lt. Blake) Bill, Colorado Springs, CO; Colby Walker, San Marcos; Avery Walker, Harker Heights.

Wanda's sons especially thank their sister Lary Jo Kephart for the years she has dedicated to their mother. The family would also like to thank Embrace Hospice, Dr. Sahar Avestimehr, R.N. Deborah Harlach, Janis Perryman, Mercedes LaBorde, Gabriela Rivera, and Alexa Nadela.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. The family will hold a private service.